The Norovirus outbreak was recently reported in multiple areas in China, mostly affecting children. No deaths were reported but those affected exhibited symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomit.

In case you are not aware of this highly contagious virus, here’s what you should know about the virus that recently affected hundreds of children in China.

Sometimes known as the stomach flu, Norovirus was previously known as Norwalk after a gastroenteritis outbreak in a school in Norwalk, Ohio in 1968.

How does it spread? Are we all at risk of catching it?

Strictly speaking, anyone can get infected with the virus, especially given how easily Norovirus is spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can get infected by having direct contact with someone who carries the virus. This includes sharing food and utensils with the infected.

Taking contaminated food and drinks that are contaminated with the virus can also get you infected.

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“If eaten raw, oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish can contain viruses and bacteria that can cause illness or death,” CDC remarked.

Symptoms often develop as early as 12 hours after infection. By this time, you will likely experience diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomachache.

Other symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches can also appear.

These symptoms can continue to appear for 2 weeks and you can still spread the virus even if you are asymptomatic. Norovirus is common in many countries, including the United States of America, where it is dubbed “the country’s most prevalent stomach bug”, reported Houston Methodist Leading Medicine.

Has Malaysia ever recorded cases of Norovirus?

Yes! The most recent Norovirus outbreak was reported in late October this year when a private school in Kota Damansara was ordered to close after cases of food poisoning were reported. Tests confirmed that the students were infected with Norovirus.

Most students recovered in 48 hours, but the management of the school closely monitored the catering, as per a report by Malaysia Gazette.

In an isolated case, a Malaysian mother from Shah Alam also shared the terror of witnessing her 1-year-old daughter battling the virus, which was confirmed by a stool test.

“The virus caused inflammation in my daughter’s brain and intestines, causing prolonged seizures and diarheaa,” the woman said.

The 1-year-old spent 12 days in the hospital before she recovered and was allowed to go home.

So, how do we avoid getting infected by the alcohol-resistant Norovirus?

According to a detailed guideline by Sunway Medical Center, one of the ways to avoid the Norovirus infection is simply by washing your hands for at least 15 seconds (with soap, of course).

“Food such as fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly, ensure that seafoods are well-cooked before consumption. Avoid consuming food that are not clean as it is the breeding ground for the virus,” Sunway Medical center quoted.

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Contaminated areas should also be cleaned with chlorine-based disinfectant, and you should refrain from cooking if you are infected.

Last but not least, should we be worried about Norovirus?

In a report by Sin Chew Daily, a Malaysian virus expert, Professor Xu said that the Norovirus itself is not scary but that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down.

“Food hygiene is important, and they should be cooked well before consumption.”

With that said, although Norovirus is generally harmless, it can become more severe in young children, the elderly, as well as, individuals with weakened immune systems. According to Mayo Clinic, in some cases, the Norovirus infection can cause severe dehydration and even death. While such cases are rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

If you’re experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, do get yourself checked immediately and isolate yourself from everyone. Stay safe, everyone!

Also read: “5 days of diarrhoea” – Khairul Aming Hospitalised for Bacterial Infection After Aiding Kelantan Flood Victims